How to make slicks out of threaded tires? | FerrariChat
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How to make slicks out of threaded tires?

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by bigodino, Mar 6, 2008.

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  1. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
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    Peter den Biggelaar
    #1 bigodino, Mar 6, 2008
    I would like to customize a 1/18 model with slick tires. I was wondering if anybody has experience with altering the original treaded tires into slicks? I think there are two options:

    - fill the tread pattern with putty or glue,
    - fix the wheel and tire on a drill and use sanding paper while rotating the tire with the drill.

    In both cases the tire needs a flat paint afterwards I think.

    What would work best?
    Any other ideas or suggestions are welcome!

    Best, Peter
     
  2. The Speedfighter

    The Speedfighter Formula 3

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    #2 The Speedfighter, Mar 6, 2008
    Personally I would go for option 2. Because then it looks like "used" tires. Otherwise ask my good friend Google, I'm sure you can buy tires like that.
     
  3. G.C.Singhof

    G.C.Singhof Karting

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    #3 G.C.Singhof, Mar 6, 2008
    Peter
    What are the tires made of? Kind of rubber? So I´d try option 2 as Lex suggests. As long as the "tyres" are not painted plastic or dyed resin (as in rare cases of small trade models) I can´t see any need to paint anything afterwards. Try different grades of sanding paper, I assume this will give different grades of "shine". Only sand on the tyre tread, not the side (ok, I think that was what you wanted anyway). As Lex sais, it will give a used feeling.

    I think most trouble will be fixing them on a drill? Don´t know.

    Be careful not get to warm for the tyres not to melt or distort.

    Tell us If it worked out. I just did only some light sanding on the tread to get the used look. Not to remove serious substance.
    But on my scale 1/43 I sometimes make a flat spot at the tyre where it stands, so as on real cars.

    Kind regards
    Wolfgang
     
  4. G.C.Singhof

    G.C.Singhof Karting

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    #4 G.C.Singhof, Mar 6, 2008
    And don´t be worried if it looks very gray and flat in the first moment. You just see what it looks like after you did wash off the dust.
    Wolfgang
     
  5. desire308

    desire308 Formula 3

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    #5 desire308, Mar 6, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I just did it on an oddball tire I hade on a 1/43 F1 kit. I used a drill w/ a bit that the tire will snug onto and use the lowest speed. Gradually turn it off with a 600 grit...slow is the key. It will create hot spots if you go too fast.

    Iff you have a lathe you can do it the same way.

    Here's a pic...can't tell at all ;)
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  6. DMC308

    DMC308 F1 Rookie

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    #6 DMC308, Mar 6, 2008
    I wonder how well it would work on a 1:18 though.
    If anyone does it on a 1:18 set of wheels (like a hot wheels set) please post some pics.
     
  7. desire308

    desire308 Formula 3

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    #7 desire308, Mar 6, 2008
    Well, I guess it depends on the material and thickness.
     
  8. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
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    #8 bigodino, Mar 7, 2008
    Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to try it this weekend and will post the results.
     
  9. jelpspeed

    jelpspeed Formula Junior

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    #9 jelpspeed, Mar 12, 2008
    yes, please post pictures before your process and after the sanding process to see how it looks.

    good luck
     
  10. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
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    #10 bigodino, Mar 13, 2008
    I will do. It just has to wait a couple of days because I caught the flu and feel too sick to do anything right now (except logging in on F-Chat...)
     
  11. ckracing

    ckracing Formula Junior

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    #11 ckracing, Mar 13, 2008
    Most Hobby Model shops, sell replacement tires.
     
  12. jelpspeed

    jelpspeed Formula Junior

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    #12 jelpspeed, Mar 24, 2008
    any updates?
    how´s the flu?
     
  13. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
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    #13 bigodino, Mar 26, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I recovered from the flu last week but only found some time today to try and make a slick tire. I used a drill in a special stand. I wrapped the tire around the thick handle of a short screw driver and secured this in the drill. I then used sanding paper while operating the drill. It took about 10-15 minutes to reach a satisfying result. There are still some tread marks here and there but overall the method works fine. In the pictures the remaining tread look worse than in reality because of the flash light. The sanding went without any problems.
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